Maternity leave lasts only a few months so parents may want to shop around for a daycare facility with a good reputation when they must return to from home to work. You may want to visit several centers before you decide. Get to know 10 commonly used terms when shopping for a caregiver or daycare facility.

Separation Anxiety - A child throws a tantrum and acts clingy when a familiar caregiver or teacher leaves. Once he or she learns patience and coping skills, this will subside.

Emotional Development - A child learns to take turns when playing with peers and can create imaginary characters and situations for play.

Attachment - A bond of trust between the infant and caretaker or instructor.

Social Interaction - Social participation using language skills and cognitive abilities to learn.

Temperaments - A human's personality such as sensitivity to physical discomfort, persistence, and overall mood.

Socialization - Exposure to skills and habits for living in society.

Learning - To gain understanding by study or experience.

Early Intervention - Speech therapy and physical therapy given to a child from birth to age 3 to address delays in development.

School Readiness - When a child has a positive expectation regarding school and a healthy confidence regarding peers, numbers and letters.

Being familiar with these terms can help you find a day care center for your infant or toddler that will not only provide a fun education but will also offer programs that will help him or her enjoy time away from home with peers. Many centers also offer snacks and other meals. If you do your research, you can feel comfortable when you drop off your child at daycare, knowing that he or she will be looked after by capable professionals with the resources they need to provide a safe, fun, educational environment.

We offer infant & toddler care. We are committed to meeting those needs. A safe, secure home away from home. Small groups, with limited opening. Open 7:45 am to 5 :30 pm. Meals & infant formula included. Age-appropriate toys, games & music to stimulate development too.

If you need your child looked after and cared for while you are away, consider working with a day care center. These centers provide care for young babies, toddlers, and preschool boys and girls and often boast offering educational programs with fun activities for children included. Day care professionals offer all-day, half-day, and after-school care services with components integrated in that include playtime, arts and crafts, music lessons, reading skills, and group activities. You can find a day care center on its own or as part of a church or school entity. Care options include all-day, half-day, and after school time frames with you picking the one that suits you the best. You might even find some day care centers offer weekend care. Be sure to visit the nearest day care center facility in your area and ask the questions you need answers to, such as how much the enrollment fees are, the types of education programs they offer, their involvement within the community, and any licenses the instructors may hold.